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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about
NearVision CK
How is NearVision CK performed?
NearVision CK uses radio waves, instead of a laser or
scalpel, to reshape the cornea and bring near vision
back into focus. NearVision CK is performed using a
small probe, thinner than a strand of human hair, that
releases radio waves. The probe is applied in a circular
pattern on the outer cornea to shrink small areas of
collagen. This circular shrinkage pattern creates a
constrictive band (like the tightening of a belt),
increasing the overall curvature of the cornea. The
procedure, which takes less than three minutes, is done
in our CK Suite here at Caplan Eye Clinic with only
topical anesthesia (eye drops).
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Will you be cutting the cornea?
No. NearVision CK is performed without the cutting or
removal of tissue. It is a safe, minimally invasive
procedure for baby boomers who struggle to read a
newspaper, menu, alarm clock, or computer.
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Is radiofrequency (RF) energy safe
for use on the eye?
Yes. The use of RF energy is one of today's most
advanced surgical techniques. In addition to its use in
NearVision CK, RF technology is being used in prostate
cancer therapy, back surgery, even cardiovascular
procedures.
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Will my vision improve immediately
after the NearVision CK procedure?
Patients usually notice an immediate improvement in
their vision after the NearVision CK procedure. However,
it usually takes several weeks for the eyes to adjust to
the final level of treatment.
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Will my vision fluctuate after
NearVision CK is performed?
Most patients will experience mild fluctuation in their
vision after the procedure, but few notice it. Any
fluctuation will usually subside within a few weeks.
Patients who have a procedure to steepen the cornea (presbyopia
or hyperopia), regardless of the procedure, usually
require a longer stabilization period than those who
receive a treatment that flattens the cornea (myopia).
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Are both eyes treated on the same
day?
NearVision CK is typically performed on just one eye.
However, if a patient's prescription requires treatment
in both eyes, CK is typically performed on both eyes on
the same day - one eye immediately after the other. Most
patients are comfortable having the CK procedure
performed on both eyes on the same day because the
procedure is minimally invasive, takes less than three
minutes and is done here at Caplan Eye Clinic with only
topical anesthesia.
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Will I have to wear patches over my
eyes after the NearVision CK procedure?
You will not have to wear patches or bandages.
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How soon can I return to work?
With NearVision CK, the majority of patients are able to
return to work and other normal activities the day after
their procedure. Although recovery is fairly quick, it
is advisable to be careful with your eyes and to avoid
any strain. Those whose jobs demand intense clarity of
vision (such as dentistry, surgery or computer work) may
want to give their eyes some extra rest for several days
following the procedure before going back to work.
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What type of anesthesia is used
during the NearVision CK procedure?
A local anesthetic in the form of eye drops is used to
numb the eye. Those patients who are nervous or have a
high level of anxiety will be given a mild sedative to
help them relax.
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What will I feel during the
NearVision CK procedure?
The NearVision CK procedure is considered painless. You
will be aware of a support (speculum), which helps to
hold your eye open. The most common sensation that
patients experience is a feeling of pressure on the eye.
After the procedure, there may be some mild discomfort,
and many patients experience a foreign-object sensation
or "scratchiness" in the eye. This usually subsides
within 24 hours of the procedure.
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Why doesn't NearVision CK use a
laser?
NearVision CK is a non-laser procedure that uses
controlled radio waves to improve near vision. Rather
than removing tissue with a laser, NearVision CK
reshapes the cornea using an entirely different method:
the application of low-level, radiofrequency (RF) energy
applied in a circular pattern on the outer cornea, to
shrink small areas of corneal tissue. This circular
pattern acts like a belt tightening around the cornea to
increase its overall curvature and bring life's details
back into focus. The procedure, which takes less than
three minutes, is done in-office with only topical
anesthesia (eye drops).
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Will the instrument used in the
NearVision CK procedure penetrate my cornea?
NearVision CK is performed using a probe (Keratoplast™
Tip) that is as thin as a strand of human hair. The
probe, introduced into the cornea, applies controlled
radiofrequency (RF) energy, stabilizes the CK procedure
and guarantees the precise depth of treatment.
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How is a precise amount of RF energy
and depth of treatment ensured during the NearVision CK
procedure?
The technology used during the procedure was engineered
and designed specifically for performing NearVision CK.
This means that the precise amount of RF energy needed
to affect the corneal tissue, at the precise tissue
temperature and depth of treatment, were meticulously
investigated and defined. The Keratoplast™ Tip
penetrates the cornea to a depth of 450 µm and utilizes
a plastic stop at the very distal portion to assure
precise depth of penetration.
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What are the risks and side effects
of NearVision CK?
Because NearVision CK is minimally invasive, the
procedure has exhibited very minimal risk and almost no
side effects. During the first 24 to 48 hours after
NearVision CK, you may experience tearing and some
discomfort, including a foreign-object sensation in the
eyes. You may also experience initial slight
over-correction of your vision, which stabilizes during
the following weeks. However, because NearVision CK
doesn't cut or remove tissue, many of the side effects
associated with other vision treatment procedures have
not been observed with NearVision CK.
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Are there restrictions after having
NearVision CK?
As with any vision treatment procedure where the cornea
is altered, certain precautions should be taken. After
the NearVision CK procedure, patients should avoid
getting contaminated water in their eyes for at least
one week. This includes water from swimming pools, spas,
lakes and the ocean. When showering or taking baths,
patients should keep their eyes closed in order to avoid
getting soap and dirty water into their eyes. When
exercising, sweat should be kept out of the eyes for at
least a week after the procedure. Also, patients should
avoid rubbing their eyes vigorously for two weeks
following the procedure. Females should also avoid
applying eye makeup for one week after the procedure.
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Am I guaranteed 20/20 vision
following NearVision CK?
No. And no honest doctor can absolutely guarantee a
certain result from any vision treatment procedure.
However, in the FDA clinical study, nearly 87% of
patients had 20/20 vision while looking at objects in
the distance and were able to read phonebook-size print
(J3) after having NearVision CK (12-month follow-up
data).
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Will I ever need glasses or contacts
again?
The vast majority of patients do not need corrective
lenses for most tasks after the NearVision CK procedure.
However, depending on your age and the type of
refractive disorder you have, you may need additional
vision treatment at some point (surgery, reading glasses
or bifocals). This is because your eyes continue to
change as you age.
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Is the NearVision CK procedure
considered permanent?
Both presbyopia and hyperopia are progressive diseases,
which means that as people age, their eyes will continue
to change - with or without surgical treatment.
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Is NearVision CK reversible?
As with most vision treatment procedures, NearVision CK
is not reversible. Once the procedure has been
performed, it is not possible to "remove" its effects.
This is an important factor for anyone thinking about
undergoing a vision treatment procedure to carefully
consider. To make sure NearVision CK is right for you,
call Caplan Eye Clinic to schedule a free CK
demonstration.
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Will my health insurance cover the
cost of the NearVision CK procedure?
Because NearVision CK is considered elective surgery
(cosmetic), most health insurance plans do not cover it.
Financing options are available to make NearVision CK
more affordable. For more information about financing,
call our CK counselors at 504-888-2600 (Metairie) or
985-845-3400 (Mandeville).
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Who is NearVision CK right for?
You're likely a good candidate for NearVision CK if you:
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Are over age 40
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Had great vision your whole life
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Require reading glasses to compensate for fading
near vision
This is not a complete list of indications and
contraindications. If you would like to schedule a free
CK demonstration to determine if NearVision CK is right
for you, call Caplan Eye Clinic and ask to speak with a
CK Counselor.
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Can NearVision CK treat myopia
(nearsightedness)?
NearVision CK was designed for baby boomers who struggle
to read menus, price tags or see their computer —
symptoms of fading near vision which require a
steepening of the cornea. NearVision CK is not designed
to flatten the cornea, the effect required for the
treatment of myopia.
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Can NearVision CK be performed on
patients who have a pacemaker?
The NearVision CK equipment can produce interference
that may adversely influence the operation of other
electronic equipment. Therefore, NearVision CK is
contraindicated for patients who are wearing a
pacemaker.
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What enables NearVision CK to be
performed in-office?
Near Vision CK is a minimally invasive procedure that
does not require cutting of the cornea, and therefore
does not carry the associated risks or surgical
complications. The procedure is relatively quick and
easy to perform — taking an average of just 3 minutes.
For more information about NearVision CK or to
schedule a free CK demonstration, call Caplan Eye
Caplan at 504-888-2600 (Metairie) or 985-845-3400
(Mandeville).
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